Campaign activity was conducted over county's server, emails appear to show

Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin, left, along with Sheriff Jim Arnott and other county officials speaks at a press conference on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 about the jail proposal.(Photo: Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)Buy Photo

Over the course of a few months, Greene County Presiding Commission Bob Cirtin apparently periodically used his county email address to conduct advocacy-related business, including creating and approving materials paid for by the Invest in Greene County PAC.

County employees and officials should not use public facilities to conduct advocacy, an election law expert said, and that includes the email system.

Copies of examples of related emails have been transcribed below. Some messages have been edited for length. This article is part of a larger report. Click for the full story.

Nov. 2, 2017

“On November 7, Greene County residents have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the criminal justice system, including the jail, but also storm water management, and many other needs of our citizens. The County is asking voters to approve a ½ cent general revenue tax increase. The last time voters approved a general revenue tax was in 1984. Obviously, expenses have outpaced revenue. To put it into perspective, a $4.00 hamburger will cost an additional two cents. Our organization is supporting this tax initiative and we ask that you vote ‘Yes’ on November 7.”